Colliery site regeneration moves forward with new planning consent

Former colliery land in Dinnington will be used to create warehousing as part of the regeneration of the area, following a decision to approve a scheme by Rotherham Council planners.

No decision has yet been taken on whether the building will used for warehouse distribution or for other industry, but conditions are written into the planning consent to ensure residents in nearby Church Lane are not affected by unacceptable noise.

The site is part of the old Dinnington Colliery site, which other parts of the site subject to redevelopment work in recent years.

There were no objections to the development, though before the council’s planning board granted permission, Coun Bob Walsh questioned whether the land, which had been used for colliery spoil, was suitable for development.

It is understood checks for potential contamination were carried out in the past, but further work would be requested by the council’s Environmental Health department to ensure there were no existing health hazards on the site.

Under the scheme, there will a planted area created around the boundary of the site to help screen it from homes in Church Lane.

Council officials had requested the warehouse building was moved further from homes in an attempt to minimise disturbance but that was not possible due to the constraints of the site.

However, council planning officers believe there will be no detriment to residents and there were objections made when householders nearby were notified of the plan.